Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

CASSOPOLIS – An Edwardsburg man is getting the chance to avoid a prison term after pleading guilty to drug dealing as a habitual offender.

     Joshua Wade Yocum, 40, of Edwardsburg, pleaded guilty to conspiracy delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine as a habitual offender and was sentenced to three years probation in the Adult Treatment Court, credit for one day served, completion of the Twin County probation program and $2,628 in fines and costs.

     The incident occurred Sept. 12, 2022 near Dowagiac when he and a co-defendant delivered eight grams of meth to an undercover agent.

     “I would point out that he is getting an incredible opportunity to avoid a very long prison sentence,” Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning said. “He will get that prison sentence if he violates his probation.”

     “I appreciate this opportunity to better myself,” Yocum said. “I know I’m facing a lot of time in prison if I don’t complete this program. I thank everyone for it.”

     Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman noted that sentencing guidelines for Yocum called for over four years to as much as 10 years or more in prison. “You’ve gotten yourself to that point,” he said. “I will go along with the plea agreement, but you’re playing with fire.”

     “Your underlying issues are with drugs,” he added. “Nobody’s life ever gets better with drugs. You are 40 years old and still have a lot of life ahead of you. But if you violate, you may not have that much time left when you get out. You’ve got to make the decision to change and be serious about it.”